Google Helps App Developers Deliver a More Polished UI

Here at XDA, our forums routinely provide enrichment to budding developers. Thanks to discussions on the intricacies of application, kernel, and ROM creation; works created here truly represent much of the best that mobile technology has to offer. However, despite the abundant development knowledge, guidance in user interface design is notably absent. In fact, aside from a few secluded places on the net, finding clear and concise advice on graphic and interface design anywhere is quite a challenge—let alone locating advice on design geared towards mobile application development.

The lack of design guidance unfortunately manifests itself in some of the ugly and unintuitive applications on the Android Market. The wonderful increases in polish and aesthetics that were injected into Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich mean next to nothing when every app opened is a distracting and cluttered mess.

Thankfully, Google is well aware of the problem and has taken the first steps at exterminating the problem at the root. To help developers achieve more unity with the new design language in Ice Cream Sandwich, Google created a site that showcases the user interface paradigms in ICS. This is accomplished through explaining why things are the way they are—all while giving copious examples and screen shots. Showcasing the three new design tenets of Google’s latest and greatest, the new site encourages developers to build apps that are enchanting, make everyday tasks easier, and empower their users.

If you’re a developer, Android Design will prove to be an invaluable resource when planning out the user experience of your next app. After all, what use is an amazingly powerful app, if it’s also an amazingly powerful eyesore.

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XDA Developers was founded by developers, for developers. It is now a valuable resource for people who want to make the most of their mobile devices, from customizing the look and feel to adding new functionality. Are you a developer?